Boise City Zoning & Land Use Guide
Notable local initiatives in Boise City
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to Boise City — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
Boise Modern Zoning Code (Title 11) — adopted 2023(2023)
On June 15, 2023 the Boise City Council unanimously approved the Modern Zoning Code, the first comprehensive rewrite of the city's zoning code since 1966. After minor amendments in November 2023 the new Title 11 of Boise City Code took full effect on December 1, 2023. The code restructures Boise's residential districts as R-1A (Large Lot), R-1B (Suburban), R-1C (Traditional, the city's predominant zone), and R-2 (Compact), and removes the long-standing parking minimum for ADUs.
Source · codelibrary.amlegal.comADU reform — 900 sq ft cap, no parking, no owner-occupancy(2023)
The 2023 Modern Zoning Code increased the maximum ADU size from 700 to 900 square feet (or 50% of the primary dwelling, whichever is less), eliminated the parking requirement, and removed the owner-occupancy mandate. ADUs are permitted by right in the R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-2, and A-1 zones; most permits are issued administratively without a public hearing.
Source · codelibrary.amlegal.comSpring 2025 zoning code modification — Title 11 update(2025)
Following implementation feedback, the City of Boise issued a Spring 2025 modification package to the Modern Zoning Code (effective updates incorporated by July 1, 2025). The archived 1966 to November 2023 zoning code remains accessible for projects vested before the December 1, 2023 transition. PDS publishes user guides by zone (e.g., the Traditional Residential R-1C user guide) to walk applicants through the new form-based standards.
Source · cityofboise.orgIdaho LLUPA (I.C. § 67-6501 et seq.) — authority for Title 11
Boise's zoning authority derives from the Idaho Local Land Use Planning Act (LLUPA), codified at Idaho Code Title 67 Chapter 65. LLUPA delegates police power to cities and counties to adopt comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances. Idaho has no statewide ADU mandate or preemption equivalent to Colorado's HB24-1152 or Utah's HB 82, so Boise's reforms reflect local policy choices rather than state-law compulsion.
Source · legislature.idaho.gov
Key Zoning Facts
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Boise City
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Idaho
- Building Code: No mandatory statewide residential code; cities adopt I-Codes locally
County — Ada County
- Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, and planning for unincorporated areas under Ada County Title 8 Zoning Code (adopted 2024).
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- HOAs are common in newer Boise subdivisions; check CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- Varies — see BCC 11-02-02
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies — see BCC 11-02-02
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies — see BCC 11-02-02
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies — see BCC 11-02-02
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
ADU Rules in Boise City
- Max Size
- 900 sq ft (or 50% of primary dwelling, whichever is less)
- Parking
- No additional parking required (eliminated in 2023 Modern Zoning Code)
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required (eliminated in 2023 Modern Zoning Code)
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Boise City are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Boise City permit fees →Official Sources
City-specific